Jihadists and other rebels launch new offensive in Aleppo

The Nur al-Din al-Zanki Movement (“Zanki”), an Islamist group, fought under Fatah Halab’s banner during the last battle for Aleppo. Zanki, one of the strongest opposition groups inside the city, was a key member of Fatah Halab and received international support in the past, including American-made anti-tank TOW missiles. But Zanki decided to formally join the Jaysh al Fath alliance after Al Nusrah Front was relaunched as JFS in late July. Indeed, Zanki endorsed Al Nusrah’s repositioning. This is not surprising, however, as Zanki and Nusrah have long cooperated with each other in Aleppo.